The Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) is set to return to Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) for its 2026 season, with five missions planned from the Space Coast’s hometown airport. The first flight will depart April 11, sponsored by MLB, taking local veterans to Washington, D.C., for a day visiting memorials before returning home for community celebrations. Each mission includes round-trip travel, meals, and a guided tour of memorials honoring military service.
The Welcome Home events at MLB will begin with a pre-flight party inside the terminal, featuring live music, food trucks, and giveaways. The April 11 event will include Panama performing, while subsequent celebrations will feature Andrew Rickman & The No Pressure Band on May 16, The Last Call Band on June 13, Hot Pink on September 12, and Phoenix on October 17. Each event is free and open to the public, with proceeds from food and beverage sales supporting SCHF.
The highlight of each Welcome Home celebration is the Walk of Honor, where veterans are escorted through the terminal by supporters holding flags and signs. The event ends with a ceremony in the terminal’s atrium, including a moment of silence and a veterans’ salute. SCHF organizers say the flights and celebrations aim to recognize the sacrifices of local veterans and strengthen community bonds.
Flight sponsors for the 2026 season include MLB for the April 11 mission, with other sponsors yet to be announced. SCHF has partnered with local businesses and organizations to fund the trips, which are free for veterans. The group plans to expand its outreach in 2026, with applications for the April flight now open. The next mission is scheduled for May 16, with details about sponsors and activities to be released in the coming weeks.